Veryl Switzer facts for kids
| No. 27 Green Bay Packers | |
Switzer on a 1954 Bowman football card
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| Born: | August 6, 1932 Nicodemus, Kansas, U.S. |
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| Died: | June 4, 2022 (aged 89) Manhattan, Kansas, U.S. |
| Career information | |
| Position(s) | HB |
| Height | 5 ft 11 in (180 cm) |
| Weight | 190 lb (86 kg) |
| College | Kansas State |
| NFL draft | 1954 / Round: 1 / Pick: 4 |
| Drafted by | Green Bay Packers |
| Career history | |
| As player | |
| 1954–1955 | Green Bay Packers |
| 1958 | Calgary Stampeders |
| 1959–1960 | Montreal Alouettes |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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Veryl A. Switzer (born August 6, 1932 – died June 4, 2022) was an American professional football player. He played as a halfback in both the National Football League (NFL) and the Canadian Football League (CFL). Switzer played for the Green Bay Packers in the NFL. After his time in the NFL, he served in the United States Air Force. He then continued his football career in Canada. Later, he became an important administrator at Kansas State University, his old college. He is also a member of their Hall of Fame.
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Football Career Highlights
In 1954, the Green Bay Packers chose Veryl Switzer as their 4th pick in the first round of the 1954 NFL Draft. He had played college football at Kansas State University from 1951 to 1953.
College Football Achievements
Switzer was a star player at Kansas State. He held the school record for career punt return yards until 1995. He also scored the second-longest punt return touchdown in school history. This amazing play was a 93-yard run on September 19, 1953. He scored two such touchdowns that year.
His best year was 1953. He led Kansas State in many areas:
- Rushing with 558 yards.
- Receiving with eight catches for 211 yards.
- Scoring with eight touchdowns and 49 points.
- Punt returns with an average of 31.0 yards.
- Kick returns with an average of 22.3 yards.
Because of his great performance, Switzer was invited to play in the 1954 East–West Shrine Game. This game features top college football players.
Professional Football Journey
Switzer played for two seasons with the Green Bay Packers. After that, he served two years in the United States Air Force as a first lieutenant. When he tried to return to the NFL, the Packers released him in September 1958.
He then moved north to play professional football in Canada. He joined the Calgary Stampeders in the Canadian Football League in 1958. In March 1959, he was traded to the Montreal Alouettes. He played two seasons with the Alouettes.
Life After Football
After his football career, Veryl Switzer worked for the Chicago Board of Education for ten years. In 1969, he returned to Kansas State University. He became an administrator there.
Contributions at Kansas State
Switzer earned a Masters in Education degree from Kansas State in 1974. He held important roles, including Co-Director of the Earl Woods National Youth Golf Academy. He was also the Associate Athletic Director for Academics.
He created Kansas State's first university-wide program for minority students. Many of the programs he started are still active today. These include:
- Ebony Theater
- United Black Voices
- A Black Student Union
- Hispanic advocacy groups
Hall of Fame Recognition
Veryl Switzer was a founding member of the K-State Sports Hall of Fame. He is also honored in the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame. Additionally, he is in the Kansas High School Activities Association Hall of Fame.
Passing Away
Veryl Switzer passed away in Manhattan, Kansas, on June 4, 2022. He was 89 years old.
